WGNSS and other environmental groups defeated the attempt of Gateway International Raceway to destroy some of the last remaining wetlands in the Metro East area. Before the Corps of Engineers could issue its decision on Gateway's application for 12,250 additional parking spaces, Gateway withdrew all parking considerations from its application, leaving only its request for a four-lane paved road that would impact less than an acre of wetlands. During the public comment period, 350 letters were submitted - a very strong showing that indicated how determined we were to save these federally protected wetlands which are home to 4 endangered species of birds. As of mid-August, the Corps has not yet made a final decision on the road permit. Perhaps by the time this newsletter arrives, we will know the outcome of this important fight to save wetlands. Thanks to all who sent in letters during the public comment period. Your letters do have an impact.

The WGNSS Butterfly Garden at Busch Wildlife has been well cared for by numerous volunteers who mulched, weeded and watered throughout the summer. Special thanks to Jeannie Moe for her efforts. Dennis Bozzay added a section to the garden with plants that he donated. Many of our plants are in bloom and butterflies are visiting. In addition, Kraig Paradise expanded the WGNSS Butterfly Garden that he started last summer at the North County Recreational Center. Please stop by and enjoy both our gardens.

Many people are puzzled by the scarcity of butterflies this summer. One woman called me from Centralia, Illinois to tell me that she has noticed decreased numbers in her rural area. Many reasons are possible, but certainly the pollen from genetically engineered corn cannot be ruled out. It is not just Monarchs that are down in numbers, either. Even the friendly Hackberry and common species such as Eastern Tailed-Blue, Orange Sulphur and Cabbage White are less numerous this year. We can only hope that this is a temporary phenomenon and that butterflies will reappear next summer in greater numbers. Another threat to butterflies in the East is the intensive chemical spraying to combat the West Nile virus borne by mosquitoes. Spraying is not just being conducted in areas with standing water where mosquitoes breed but also in weedy and shrubby areas. This has had a severe impact on the butterfly and insect populations in and around the New York City area.

Our second breeding bird survey at Busch Wildlife took place in June. Several Henslow's Sparrows unexpectedly took up residence in a large weedy field near Lakes 34/35 in Busch this summer. This is an endangered species in Missouri. According to the database of the Missouri Department of Conservation, there has never been a breeding record for Henslow's Sparrows in St. Charles County. In addition, several Dickcissels and one Blue Grosbeak were found in Busch. By now you may have noticed the uprooting of many trees in certain parts of Busch. This is apparently part of a long-term plan by the Department of Conservation to convert 300 to 500 acres to prairie. Plans by MDC to sell part of the Weldon Spring land to Monsanto for a subsidiary's headquarters have fallen through. Since Weldon Spring is a more natural habitat for a prairie, it is a shame to see the trees and shrubs in Busch falling to create an artificial prairie.

An action item that needs our attention is the campaign by the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) to preserve the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling. At stake is the preservation of the pristine wetlands coastal habitat used as breeding grounds by polar bears, caribou, muskoxen, grizzly bears, wolves, foxes, Golden Eagles, Snowy Owls and many other species of birds and animals. The goal is to get one million letters to President Clinton urging him to designate the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge as a National Monument. Just send your letter to the White House. If you want to copy the NRDC, their address is 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011. For more information, check out their web site at www.nrdc.org.

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